Pelvic Reconstructive Surgery

Pelvic organ prolapse is when the muscles can no longer support the pelvic organs and they drop down. There are several types of pelvic organ prolapse:

1. Cystocele: the bladder drops into the vagina
2. Enterocele: the small intestine bulges into the vagina
3. Rectocele: the rectum bulges into the vagina
4. Uterine Prolapse: the uterus drops into the vagina
5. Vaginal Vault Prolapse: the top of the vagina loses its support and drops 

Women with pelvic organ prolapse may experience the following symptoms:

1. Feeling of pelvic pressure or fullness
2. Bulge in the vagina
3. Organs bulging out of the vagina
4. Leakage of urine (urinary incontinence)
5. Difficulty completely emptying the bladder
6. Problems having a bowel movement
7. Lower back pain
8. Problems with inserting tampons or applicators 

Pelvic organ prolapse can be treated with nonsurgical options such as changes in diet, medications, Kegel exercises and the insertion of a pessary, which is placed in the vagina to support the pelvic organs.

Pelvic Reconstructive Surgery
Pelvic reconstructive surgery aims to restore prolapsed organs to their original positions. This can be done through minimally invasive robotic surgery. Robotic surgery allows the surgeon to make small incisions in the patient and insert a small camera to view and operate on the pelvic organs. Pelvic reconstructive surgery performed via a robot can result in less pain and scarring, fewer medical complications and a faster recovery.